A New Kind of Gold Rush

Explore our most popular gold jewelry styles, in both 18k and 14k designs.
A woman wearing an assortment of gold jewelry.

Gold for Every Occasion

Real gold jewelry for life's special moments. Shop gold jewelry online by price, 

gold color, gemstones, diamond types and more.

Gold zodiac pendants

Gold Zodiac Necklaces

Style is in the stars—and kept close to the heart.

Gold Jewelry with Lab-Grown Diamonds

Explore our selection of gold jewelry featuring lab-grown diamonds. These stylish necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings fit every budget and make the perfect addition to any collection.
diamond earrings

Our Guide to Gold Jewelry

Learn more about the different colors of gold jewelry, how these pieces are made, 
how to care for gold jewelry, and more in our guide to gold.

Legendary Service, 30-Day Returns & More

We're here 24/7 at your convenience with secure deliveries, 30-day returns and our famous diamond price-match guarantee.

Top Questions and Answers About Gold Jewelry

What kind of gold jewelry is in style?

Artisan, high-quality gold jewelry is incredibly popular today. The most purchased shades of gold are white gold and yellow gold. Rose gold jewelry is also in style.

Some of the most popular designs for gold jewelry include plain metal pieces and jewelry with diamonds or gemstones. 14k and 18k are the leading metals for solid gold jewelry.  

Sleek lines and open metalwork are trendy styles for gold jewelry. Simple gold bands with sparkling gemstones, polished teardrop earrings or a lacy fleur de lis pendant all showcase the effortless beauty of gold jewelry. 

What's the difference between white gold and platinum?

White gold and platinum are very similar in appearance. However, platinum is more expensive, longer-lasting and keeps its sheen better over time, whereas white gold often needs replating every few years. 

White gold jewelry is an excellent affordable alternative to platinum. Routine replating can keep white gold necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets looking their best.

Is yellow gold jewelry making a comeback?

Yellow gold jewelry is indeed making a comeback. Trends show that many people are bypassing other styles for the timeless elegance of 18k and 14k yellow gold jewelry. There are plenty of options for men and women that range from necklaces to stackable bangle bracelets and simple stud earrings.

What is the difference between 14k and 18k?

When you’re browsing gold jewelry, you likely won’t find much 24k gold jewelry for sale. This is because pure 24k gold is too fragile for frequent wear. To strengthen the jewelry, gold is mixed with additional metals like copper, zinc and iron. These added metals help make gold jewelry more durable and affordable. This results in stylish jewelry that can be worn day in and day out.

Real gold jewelry is often sold in 14k or 18k metals. These numbers distinguish the fineness or purity of the gold jewelry, with higher numbers having more gold and lower numbers containing greater amounts of additional metals in the alloy. 18k gold jewelry is luxurious and often worn for special occasions. 14k gold jewelry contains less pure gold than 18k jewelry, but 14k solid gold jewelry is popular for frequent wear. 

Pieces made from 18k or 14k gold are considered real gold jewelry, bringing durability and shine. If you are shopping for fine gold jewelry that will be worn frequently, it’s best to choose 18k or 14k designs.  

Is gold jewelry worth it?

If you’re searching for glistening jewelry that is incredibly durable, gold is a great choice! Well-made gold pieces can be passed down for generations and offer lasting styles. Gold jewelry has been valued for centuries, and the staying power of this precious metal has continued today. Trendy, classic and even vintage-style pieces all come in gold.

Will real gold tarnish?

Real gold jewelry does not tarnish the same way costume pieces do. Over time, solid gold can tarnish and scratch, especially if it’s exposed to chemicals or alloyed with metals that are more prone to tarnishing. You can keep your gold jewelry from tarnishing by cleaning it regularly and avoiding exposure to chemicals, cosmetics, chlorine, or acidic foods.

Well-maintained gold jewelry will bring beautiful shine for years to come.  

What's the best way to care for gold jewelry?

Avoid wearing your gold jewelry when you’re cleaning or swimming as chemicals like chlorine and household cleaners can damage gold. When it’s time to clean your jewelry, use a polishing cloth, jewelry cleaning solution or even an ultrasonic cleaner to restore shine. Certain gemstones like opals, emeralds and pearls should not be placed in ultrasonic cleaners. Review our gemstone care and cleaning tips to learn more.  

How can I tell if my jewelry is real?

Buying your gold jewelry from online jewelers you trust is the best way to ensure you’re getting the real thing. At Blue Nile, we are experts on real gold jewelry. Any gold jewelry you purchase from us is guaranteed to be genuine, real gold.

If you’ve purchased your gold jewelry from another retailer and you’re curious about its authenticity, you can check the stamps on the pieces to see if your gold jewelry is real. Real gold jewelry will be stamped with its karat value and a maker’s mark, such as 14k or 18k. Pieces that aren’t solid gold will likely have additional stamps such as GF or GP to indicate that they’re gold filled or gold plated.

What is white gold jewelry?

White gold jewelry is a common platinum alternative that uses pure gold which has been alloyed with additional metals to bring a different hue to the piece. It is often finished with a thin layer of rhodium plating that gives the piece a shining, white metal appearance.

What is rose gold jewelry?

Pure gold and copper are combined to make uniquely colored rose gold jewelry. This is real gold jewelry that offers lasting wear as it does not need to be replated, in fact, there’s no plating at all! Rose gold’s signature hues come from its combination of pure gold and copper.

What is yellow gold jewelry?

The most iconic shade of gold has been valued for centuries. Yellow gold jewelry ranges in purity, from pure 24k gold to more affordable and durable options like 14k. In lower karat values of yellow gold, pure gold is combined with other metals that strengthen the overall piece.

What is tri-color gold jewelry?

Tri-color gold jewelry includes three different shades of gold in one piece. The most common styles include yellow, rose and white gold.

Can you mix and match styles?

Mixed and matched styles are some of the most popular ways to wear solid gold jewelry. You can mix metal textures in the same shade for a monochromatic look, or you can even choose tri-color styles of different hues.

What kinds of gemstones are added to this jewelry?

You can find all types of gemstones in real gold jewelry. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, emeralds, pearls, opals and morganite are just some of the gemstones you can find in pieces made of this precious metal.

Can you wear gold every day?

Absolutely! Gold jewelry for women and men can be worn daily. Lower karat 14k pieces are most suited for daily wear as the additional metals make the jewelry stronger.

How do I clean gold jewelry?

When cleaning your gold jewelry, a simple approach is best. Create a solution of warm water and mild detergent-free soap, then use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub your pieces. To maintain extra shine, you can buff your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth.

Visit our local jewelry stores for more tips on keeping your Blue Nile gold jewelry looking its best.  

What is gold plated jewelry?

Gold plated jewelry is often considered costume or demi-fine jewelry. It is not solid gold. Instead, it’s a base metal like silver or brass that receives a thin coating of real gold on top. Gold plated jewelry is not as durable as real, solid gold jewelry.

Does gold jewelry change color?

Many people think that white gold jewelry changes color over time, but this is not true. While gold jewelry can tarnish over time, it is easily remedied with a cleaning. For white gold jewelry, replating may be necessary in some cases.

Is gold jewelry better than silver?

Gold jewelry and silver jewelry both offer different benefits and considerations. Gold is more durable than silver, but its price reflects this. Both are popular metals for high-quality fine jewelry.

Who sells affordable gold jewelry?

At Blue Nile, we’re proud to sell men’s and women’s gold jewelry for all styles and budgets.

Is gold jewelry waterproof?

Real gold jewelry is one of the most popular types of waterproof jewelry. Solid 18k and 14k gold can get wet without getting damaged, as long as it is thoroughly dried. You should still avoid exposing gold jewelry to cosmetics, cleaners, chlorine, and other chemicals.

Where’s the best place to buy gold jewelry?

You can shop our wide selection of real gold jewelry online or see select styles in our local jewelry stores.

Is gold jewelry hypoallergenic?

Gold is not considered true hypoallergenic jewelry, but it is a great fit for people with no sensitivities to the metals in its alloys.

Does gold jewelry make a good gift?

Yes, our gold jewelry pieces are exceptional gifts for life’s celebrations.

What are the benefits of wearing solid gold jewelry?

Real gold jewelry is durable enough for daily wear. It's simple to care for and lends well to solo styling, necklace layering, bracelet stacking, ring stacking, or earring stacking. Due to its solid metal designs, most real gold jewelry can also be repaired and reworked as needed.